Chicago Public Schools Honor National Hispanic Heritage Month with Districtwide Celebrations

CHICAGO-Chicago Public Schools (CPS) will kick off National Hispanic Heritage Month on Tuesday, September 15, with Districtwide celebrations recognizing the history, culture and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. The month-long observance holds particular significance in a District where nearly half of all students identify as Latino and a city with a large Latino population, and celebrations will start Sunday with the Mexican Independence Day parade featuring CPS leaders and students.

While classroom lessons and school events honor Hispanic Heritage throughout the year, students and staff at schools across Chicago will participate in special cultural celebrations and classroom experiences through October 15 that are designed to highlight the diverse traditions and stories that have shaped families, neighborhoods and communities throughout Chicago and beyond.

Schools will mark the month with activities including parades, folkloric dance performances, cultural showcases and reenactments of the historic early morning Grito de Dolores, the call that launched Mexico’s struggle for independence. Students will also explore Hispanic and Latino literature, music, visual arts, history and traditions as part of classroom learning and schoolwide programming.

“Celebrating Hispanic and Latino heritage is an important part of creating schools where every student feels seen, valued and empowered to share their story,” said Superintendent/CEO Dr. Macquline King. “Throughout this month, we are proud to celebrate the many cultures, traditions and contributions that enrich our school communities and strengthen the fabric of our city. By learning from one another, our students build the understanding, respect and sense of belonging that help make our schools stronger.”

The month-long observance also provides opportunities for students from all backgrounds to engage with cultures and perspectives different from their own. Through art, music, literature, history and community engagement, students can develop a deeper understanding of Hispanic and Latino experiences while building empathy, connection and respect across cultures.

National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed annually from September 15 through October 15, recognizing the histories, cultures, and contributions of individuals whose heritage traces back to Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. CPS schools will celebrate this month with various activities honoring the diversity and lasting impact of Hispanic and Latino communities across Chicago and beyond. Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua commemorate their independence on September 15, while Chile celebrates its independence on September 18. Additionally, Indigenous Peoples’ Day on October 11 falls within this 30-day period.

“These cultural celebrations are vital for our students and staff,” said Chief Education Officer Dr. Karime Asaf, who emigrated from Colombia to the United States at age 16. “They provide our students the opportunity to honor their heritage while sharing that history with their peers. This sense of community can be incredibly supportive, especially during the challenging transitions many of our students experience.”

Incorporating diverse histories and cultural perspectives into the educational experience is an ongoing part of creating welcoming and inclusive school communities within Chicago Public Schools but some of this month’s special events are as follows:

On September 13, Superintendent/CEO Dr. Macquline King, additional senior District leaders and Farragut Career Academy students will march in the 55th Annual 26th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade in Little Village. Little Village 26th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade, 26th Street and Albany Avenue, noon - 2 p.m.

On September 15, McCormick Elementary School hosts its annual El Grito event to kick off Hispanic Heritage month with performances by the Madero Middle School band, folkloric dancing and a Grito de Independencia. McCormick Elementary School, 2712 S. Sawyer Ave., 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.

On September 16, students at John Spry Community School will take part in a parade around the school to honor the Independence Day celebrations of various Latin American countries. Following the parade, the students will host “El Grito,” replicating Mexico’s annual Independence Day celebration ceremony. John Spry Community School, 2400 S. Marshall Blvd., 2:30 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.

On September 17, Schubert Elementary School invites parents to attend its annual Hispanic Heritage celebration. Guests will enjoy performances by students and a special appearance by El Son de Antonio Keka from the Dominican Republic, who will be touring the U.S. and performing for the school community. The event will also feature arts and crafts, a raffle, and other engaging activities for everyone.
Schubert Elementary School, 2727 N. Long Ave., 3:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.

On September 18, the entire Whittier Dual Language Magnet School community will engage in El Grito, displaying flags from various Latin American countries. Families will also share games that parents and grandparents played in their native countries, incorporating these traditions into the celebration. Whittier Dual Language Magnet School, 1900 W. 23rd St., 2 p.m. - 3p.m.

Schools make concerted efforts to celebrate cultural traditions beyond commemorative months.

On October 30, 2026, Maria Saucedo STEAM Magnet Academy will host a Día de los Muertos Assembly. Students from Pre-K to third grade will celebrate various cultures through singing and dancing. Maria Saucedo STEAM Magnet Academy, 2850 W. 24th Blvd., 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Media is welcome to any of the noted events but must alert CPS via communications@cps.edu in advance. Please note these are just a sample of the many school-based activities taking place this month.

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